City expects 2 new businesses

A Pizza Hut Express and a Fred’s Dollar Store is expected to come to Franklin soon, and along with them up to 35 jobs, the city council learned Tuesday.
St. Mary Parish Economic Development Director Frank Fink introduced Tom Maraist, Team Development of Denham Springs, who said the dollar store will be located at the corner of Main Street and Cayce Street, and the pizza delivery and drive-thru will be next to it across Mildred Street.
Fred’s will employ around 20-25 employees and Pizza Hut about 10, Maraist said.
He expects opening by late summer or early fall.
The site needs elevation in compliance with FEMA requirements, and Maraist said he approached Fink for local governmental assistance.
Fink told the council he proposed an “economic development district” on those two properties only, and allow the businesses to charge an extra penny sales tax to pay for the more than $100,000 in fill material. When the actual cost is collected and paid, the tax would expire.
The city would receive normal property tax collections, Fink said.
The council passed a resolution of support in favor the economic development district.
Also Tuesday, City Building Official Jean Paul Pellerin asked for a condemnation hearing on a property at 310 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. that was severely damaged by fire recently. Pellerin said the property is far too damaged to restore at reasonable cost. The council granted a 30 day grace period to allow the property owner to have the building demolished, otherwise the city will have to do so and charge the cost to the owner.
The council also:
—Approved ordinances amending the previous operating and capital outlay budgets and the upcoming operating and capital outlay budgets.
—Approved resolutions lifting the open alcohol container law and fireworks ban for the Bayou Teche Black Bear Festival, and the open container law for the Bayou Teche Wooden Boat Show. The festival is April 15-16, and the boat show is April 15-17.